Like every other community in the United States, African American intellectuals and political leaders represent a wide range of viewpoints, and while Dr. Cornel West and Ta-Nehisi Coates might disagree on certain issues, they're voting for Bernie Sanders.

According to a 2012 report by the Center for American Progress, one out of three U.S. citizen children of immigrants live in mixed-status families, and tens of thousands of parents are deported each year. This has a devastating impact on families.

Yes, Mr. West, America will look very different in 2043. That America, too, will be beautiful. Let us "work for the elevation" of every American and reap the national prosperity that the realization of their individual promise will bring.

In a democracy, the people can win every time -- but only if we are organized. Today, when I reflect back on my half-decade at the helm of the NAACP, I am deeply proud of what we have accomplished together as we organized our communities.

Saint Paul's demise should serve as a wake-up call to those who care about the future of HBCUs. For more than 175 years, the institutions have played a crucial role in African-American advancement. However, even the wealthier HBCUs are struggling financially.

Remember the March on Washington? August 28, 1963. Tens of thousands of activists on the National Mall. A preacher's son from Atlanta talking about his dream for the country. We don't need to watch a rerun of that fateful day. We need a sequel.